Work-Based Learning Innovations
VIRTUAL ENTERPRISE
Are you looking for a practical vehicle for interdisciplinary instruction, an in-school work experience that will develop school-to-work skills, and the application of academic and occupational knowledge? A Virtual Enterprise may be your answer.
Background: A Virtual Enterprise has its roots in “office simulation” that dates back to the 17th century. In Europe Virtual Enterprises (VE’s) are known as practice firms and they have been in operation since World War II.
There are currently more than 2,200 practice firms in 22 countries, including Europe, Canada, and Australia. The practice firms are in high schools, colleges, and vocational training institutions. In 1996 the United States became part of the international trading network when the New York City Board of Education created an initial seven VE’s. California now has five VE’s in Kern County , and BakersfieldCommunity College.
Why a Virtual Enterprise?
A VE is a simulated business, created, managed and operated by students. Students experience all facets of being an employee of a firm. They are responsible for completion of real work-related goals, objectives, transactions and daily activities. VE’s in the United States interact with each other via the Internet, and are part of the international network of simulated firms, actual firms, banking institutions, and training programs. Through this network students acquire global economic knowledge including the monetary and business systems of the participating countries.
Students use technology as applied in business, and for global transactions and communications. Each VE simulates a real-life business. The difference between a VE and an actual business is that all goods and money exchanged are “virtual.” Business partners play an important role as mentors and consultants to the students.
More information?
Contact: Dean McGee, Program Director, The California Network, dmcgee@khsd.k12.ca.us
or visit the web site at www.khsd.k12.ca.us/~ve
SERVICE LEARNING
Are you looking for a way to give your students a work-based learning experience but live in a small town with very few businesses? Hamilton High School solved their problem by incorporating a school-wide community based service learning project. In the 1998-1999 school year, juniors and seniors determined a need in their community and using the knowledge they have acquired in English, Math, Social Studies, and other subjects proceed to address the problem. Tim Nevils and Victor Paz chose a community project involving the history of their town. Assisted by their teacher, Ann Mohn, the students prepared, framed and measured an archealogical dig to determine if the site was an old trading post.
Tim
Nevils and an onlooker examine an artifact at the dig.